Saturday, 20 August 2016

The badass Shikha is startled when the nerdy Abhimanyu proposes marriage. She loves... herself, and Abhimanyu doesn't figure on her list anywhere. For Abhimanyu, however, it was love at first sight when Shikha walked into RS Software, where the two of them work.When Abhimanyu shows her that he just might be rich enough for her, a pleasantly surprised Shikha accepts his marriage proposal and moves into his swanky apartment.But it looks like the love is all from only Abhi’s side as Shikha continues to drink herself crazy. Yeah, even at their wedding party.And then Abhi sets out on a honeymoon to Thailand with His Drunken Wife...*MARRIAGES MADE IN INDIA is a five-novella series that revolves around the characters you have met in The Runaway Bridegroom.

is the ninth book authored by Sundari Venkatraman. This is a hot romance and is Book #2 of the 5-novella series titled Marriages Made in India; Book #1 being The Smitten Husband. Other published novels by the author are The Malhotra Bride, Meghna, The Runaway Bridegroom, The Madras Affair and An Autograph for Anjali—all romances. She also has a collection of romantic short stories called Matches Made in Heaven; and a collection of human interest stories called Tales of Sunshine. All of Sundari Venkatraman’s books are on Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers in India, USA, UK, Canada & Australia under both #romance & #drama categories.

Sunday, 14 August 2016

Latika's wrecked personal front leaves her completely shattered. So when her ailing father reveals his desire to go back home, she doesn't think twice and moves to her hometown. She joins an NGO and comes across a teenager rape victim. Much against her TL, Debjyoti's wish she sets out to trace the girl with Shamsuddin's help. Will she succeed or end up in big trouble?

Shamsuddin, a daily labourer, somehow manages to thrive in the city. Meanwhile, flood devastates his house in the village. His family takes refuge in a relative's place where his wife has a tough time resisting to the advances of her brother-in-law. Can Shamsuddin arrange for an accommodation before it is too late?

Set in Guwahati amid the backdrop of flood and ethnic turmoil, "Shamsuddin's Grave", is the story of migration towards big cities for a better life.

Check out the book trailer:

Review: Shamsuddin's Grave is a story told with lots of emotions and love. It is a story which deals with the plight of homeless people in the north east state of Assam. The story deals with people and their emotions and it is what caught my attention first which made me to read the book.

The story shows how caste and religion matters when it comes to extremely poor people and how are they used and abused by people with power in their hands. Shamsuddin is a person who has lost everything in floods and tries extremely hard to make ends meet. His only dream is to own a house and unite with his family. On the other hand, Latika is a woman with modern thoughts, battling her own setbacks. The two meet and a bond develops between them over time. A case of teenage rape victim comes across Latika and the NGO she works for and she is determined to solve the case and help the victim with Shamsuddin's help.

The story feels real. It shows what is exactly happening in some interiors of our country. It depicts the sad state of affairs when it comes to homeless people. The two characters, Shamsuddin and Latika are poles apart when it comes to thinking and education, and they are nicely brought out. This contrasting characters is what made me hooked to the book. Also, I loved the ending. The simple narration hits hard at the right places and pinches you.

Although, the narration is good, it could have been tight. At times, I felt the lack of editing hamper a good narration and the story. Elimination of few typos, grammar and editing check could have helped the story, but it still is a wonderful one time read. I say one time because of the heaviness of the topic.

Overall: Shamsuddin's Grave is a brave attempt by the author to put forth the plight of homeless people and the author succeeds at it.

It was 2.00 a.m. in the morning and Kalapahar woke up to the cries of people. People didn’t know what was going on. There was no electricity and all they heard were the cries of women, children and men for help. Stampede of people running across the roads towards the uphill area shouting for help. Latika too woke up hearing the cries. She switched on her night lamp but there was no electricity. She stepped down from her bed and landed into knee deep water soaking her pyjamas. Terrified, she reached for the torch on the night table and switched it on. She was traumatized to find her room flooded. The water level almost reached her bed wetting the mattress. She didn’t waste time and waded through the water to check on her father’s room. It was similar situation there too, with the only difference that the old man was sound asleep due to medication. She woke him up and went to check the other rooms. It was similar sight all around. Dining chairs, gas cylinder, utensils, tables everything floating across the rooms. She turned off all the switches and whatever valuables she could lay her hand upon, she collected in a bag. Then she pulled a chair on top of her father’s bed and made the old man sit on it with the bag. She checked the water level outside through the glass window with the hope of evacuating the house. But it was worse and riskier to wander out with an old man in flood water at night. She knew she could not make it. Help was unreachable as of now, as everyone was fending for themselves. She heard the neighbors crying for help but no one listened. Even the cell phone network was jammed. She knew she could not do anything but wait. At last she pulled a chair on the bed and sat down beside her father clenching his hands in hers. Both prayed eagerly for all this to be over.

About the author

Paromita Goswami

A nomad at heart and a rebel by choice is the best way to describe her. Paromita Goswami had always believed in making her own path. She says life is full of stories that are waiting to be told.

Author of Shamsuddin’s Grave, published in 2015, an offbeat social drama based on critical social issue, Paromita Goswami loves to write about life and relationships. She has written many short stories for online magazines. Her upcoming works are, Grow Up Messy, is a humorous collection of short stories of a mischievous five year old girl. The book is a ride down the childhood days. It was part of blogging challenge, #atozchallenge2016 and second is The Jungle Series, a collection of short stories #paranormal, based on the jungles of Chhattisgarh.

Besides writing she is also the founder of Raipur Little Minds Book Reading Club that has a major objective of developing the book reading habit in children. She is also the founder of Book Studios that makes book trailer, book covers and banners. Making travel documentary is her other passion.

Paromita is married and lives in Raipur with her family including her pet cat and dogs. She loves to connect with her readers and can be easily traced on all social media sites.

Friday, 12 August 2016

With its proposition of
'Woh Zamaana Kare Deewana', Zee Classic is India's only Hindi movie
channel that endeavors to recreate the magic of iconic classics and new age
cinema by showcasing not just the films that shaped Indian cinema but also
acquaint viewers with the creative talent who were a part of that timeless era.
In order to mark the occasion of India’s 70th year of independence,
Zee Classic premieres

One of the most iconic films of
all times, Gandhi (1982) was produced and directed by Richard
Attenborough and written by John Briley. Starring Ben Kingsley,
Rohini Hattangadi, Edward Fox, Roshan Seth, amongst others. The story is
that of an Indian lawyer who returned from racially segregated South Africa to
drive the British out of his home country through successive acts of
non-violent protest. The portrayal of how simplicity and the power collectivism
can throw over a whole British empire bringing them to their knees.

As Zee Classic gears up to
premiere ‘Gandhi', this Saturday, on 13th August at 8 PM in
‘India’s Finest Films’ and on Monday, 15th August at 9:30 AM, we wonder who would be a part of this classic
if it was to be re-made in 2016!

Director

1982 : Sir Richard Attenborough had the
ability and talent to accommodate a person’s entire lifespan in a couple of
hours. He did a phenomenal job right from the research to bringing alive the
legacy of the father of our nation on big screen.

2016: AshutoshGowarikar known for his love for
historical films and bringing lost eras to life with Lagaan, Jodha Akbar and
Swadesh, is undoubtedly our choice to direct this film today.

Mahatma Gandhi

1982: Ben Kingsley played the role of Mahatma
Gandhi in the movie.

2016: Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan
is the man for the job. Known for his chameleon skills to adapt to various
roles and characters combined with his attention to detail, Aamir Khan should
play the role of our beloved Baapu.

Stuti loves being a mother to her triplets, but it can be a harrowing routine. She's even more submerged in the craziness when she takes them and her mom-in-law for a trip to Rajasthan, the land of the erstwhile Thar desert royals and their palaces. After the passing away of her husband, she feels she owes it to her mil to take her to her favourite holiday. In the Amber Palace, her reckless toddler rushes onto a modelling shoot. As she picks up her daughter who has tripped over a gorgeous zardozi sari, her gaze clashes with that of the man she'd hoped never to set eyes on again in her life.

A passion that threatens to set fire to more than just her senses

Revath was everything she wanted in a man, but six years ago he chose to walk away from her. Now he wants to be back in her life. When she knows he doesn't want the same things in life that she does, would she be wise to let anything rekindle between them? Is it already too late for rethinks?

Desire that has to be denied

Revath knew the moment he met Stuti again that he couldn't just let her go. But Stuti is absolutely the wrong woman for him. It was proved six years ago when they chose diametrically opposite ways for themselves. He doesn't believe in forever, so what's he doing asking her for a second chance?

Summerita Rhayne writes contemporary and historical romance with lots of emotional conflict. She first got published in 2013 and has won contests with prestigious publishers such as Harlequin and Harper Collins India. Her pet belief is, if the inspiration is strong enough, the story characters will find a way to make the writer pen them down, even when writing time is in short supply. When cerebrally confronted with the sizzling interaction of two Alpha characters, the only way to get peace is write their book!

At heart, she's a family person and even though she loves her medical teaching profession, she happily becomes a homemaker when not at work. She loves winding down with music, romcoms, cricket (strictly watching only) and social networking.

Tuesday, 9 August 2016

Latika's wrecked personal front leaves her completely shattered. So when her ailing father reveals his desire to go back home, she doesn't think twice and moves to her hometown. She joins an NGO and comes across a teenager rape victim. Much against her TL, Debjyoti's wish she sets out to trace the girl with Shamsuddin's help. Will she succeed or end up in big trouble?

Shamsuddin, a daily labourer, somehow manages to thrive in the city. Meanwhile, flood devastates his house in the village. His family takes refuge in a relative's place where his wife has a tough time resisting to the advances of her brother-in-law. Can Shamsuddin arrange for an accommodation before it is too late?

Set in Guwahati amid the backdrop of flood and ethnic turmoil, "Shamsuddin's Grave", is the story of migration towards big cities for a better life.

It was 2.00 a.m. in the morning and Kalapahar woke up to the cries of people. People didn’t know what was going on. There was no electricity and all they heard were the cries of women, children and men for help. Stampede of people running across the roads towards the uphill area shouting for help. Latika too woke up hearing the cries. She switched on her night lamp but there was no electricity. She stepped down from her bed and landed into knee deep water soaking her pyjamas. Terrified, she reached for the torch on the night table and switched it on. She was traumatized to find her room flooded. The water level almost reached her bed wetting the mattress. She didn’t waste time and waded through the water to check on her father’s room. It was similar situation there too, with the only difference that the old man was sound asleep due to medication. She woke him up and went to check the other rooms. It was similar sight all around. Dining chairs, gas cylinder, utensils, tables everything floating across the rooms. She turned off all the switches and whatever valuables she could lay her hand upon, she collected in a bag. Then she pulled a chair on top of her father’s bed and made the old man sit on it with the bag. She checked the water level outside through the glass window with the hope of evacuating the house. But it was worse and riskier to wander out with an old man in flood water at night. She knew she could not make it. Help was unreachable as of now, as everyone was fending for themselves. She heard the neighbors crying for help but no one listened. Even the cell phone network was jammed. She knew she could not do anything but wait. At last she pulled a chair on the bed and sat down beside her father clenching his hands in hers. Both prayed eagerly for all this to be over.

About the author

Paromita Goswami

A nomad at heart and a rebel by choice is the best way to describe her. Paromita Goswami had always believed in making her own path. She says life is full of stories that are waiting to be told.

Author of Shamsuddin’s Grave, published in 2015, an offbeat social drama based on critical social issue, Paromita Goswami loves to write about life and relationships. She has written many short stories for online magazines. Her upcoming works are, Grow Up Messy, is a humorous collection of short stories of a mischievous five year old girl. The book is a ride down the childhood days. It was part of blogging challenge, #atozchallenge2016 and second is The Jungle Series, a collection of short stories #paranormal, based on the jungles of Chhattisgarh.

Besides writing she is also the founder of Raipur Little Minds Book Reading Club that has a major objective of developing the book reading habit in children. She is also the founder of Book Studios that makes book trailer, book covers and banners. Making travel documentary is her other passion.

Paromita is married and lives in Raipur with her family including her pet cat and dogs. She loves to connect with her readers and can be easily traced on all social media sites.

Saturday, 6 August 2016

Just the name itself is enough to bring back so many wonderful memories. And not to forget the lovely aroma that fills the nostrils as you bring the piping hot glass of tea near to the lips.

Tea is my constant support and a companion. That hot cup of tea is the witness to all my struggles, pains, agony and also a witness to all the happiness, joy and laughter.

Right from my school days, burning the midnight oil for the board exams till the present, Tea has seen me in my good and bad days. And so do those friends with whom I have had the pleasure to share my cup of tea with.

I would stretch my back, take a sip of the tea and get back to preparing myself for both, tenth and twelfth board exams. During those days, tea was my bread and butter, and probably it still is. The high that tea gives me, no other drink ever can.

When in college, I clearly remember that the tea at the corner of the road was much better than the tea at my college canteen. So, I along with my two friends would sip tea, talk about anything under the sun, but studies. We would talk about politics in general, our dreams, listen to songs and mingle around watching others pass by, holding the glass of tea in our hands. And occasionally, very occasionally talk about girls. Yes, we were like that.

But, this bunch got separated after the completion of our graduation as we embarked on different journeys. The days of my MBA was no different. The mornings were spent in the classroom and the afternoons in the canteen, sipping hot cups of ginger and masala tea. I clearly remember, that spilled tea on our important project note, those moments when we had our arguments on projects and joyances upon scoring good marks, which we celebrated first by having our cups of tea. "Bore ho raha hain, chal chai peke aate hain", used to be our staple line when we had nothing, yet everything to do during the post graduation.

Even today, sitting on my desk, glued to the computer screen, Tea still is the silent witness to all that is going on my mind. For that fresh idea to come flying across, for that important review meeting or for that matter, some important grapevine to be shared. There are numerous times when I along with my colleague would venture out towards that tea stall behind my office premises and simply enjoy the tea, in all silence. Sometimes, I along with my team would gang up at the canteen floor, holding the tea cups in our hand and chatting like we used to in our college days.

So here's raising a toast to all my dear friends, with our hands up in the air, holding that glass of tea, with all smiles and creating some good memories.

This post has been written in association with Chaayos & Blogchatter on occasion of Friendship Day

Falguni Kothari is a New York-based hybrid author, and an amateur Latin and Ballroom dance silver medalist with a semi-professional background in Indian Classical dance. She writes in a variety of genres sewn together by the colorful and cultural threads of her South Asian heritage and expat experiences. When not writing or dancing, she fools around on all manner of social media and loves to connect with readers.